Chapter 44, The Washing-Up Bowl Summary

The bishop arrives for lunch. The company politely continues in conversation, ignoring Louis' tears of frustration and rage because he cannot eat on his own. The bishop compliments Thérèse on her cooking, and instead of admitting that she did not cook the fish, Thérèse tells him that she believes God has called her to "be a contemplative" (194). Thérèse asks Louis' permission to enter the convent at age sixteen. Unable to speak, Louis weeps and is comforted by Madeleine. Madeleine scolds Thérèse for upsetting her father on his first day home. The bishop encourages Thérèse to continue on the religious path. The priest interjects, suggesting a boarding school instead. The bishop's attention shifts to Léonie. He...